The Marriage Conundrum

There are so many stories around marriage and so many incidences around it. But recently I came across an article about a 39 year old man who had hanged himself because he had not been able to marry. Again, it got me wondering about how important marriage is in our great Indian culture. We talk about modernism but we still stick to the old orthodox ways which press for marriage as a sure way to mate. When will it all change? We build computers and software, we launch rockets and satellites but we are still unable to launch ourselves into the future. 

Revenge gives meaning to life:

Everyone preaches about forgiveness. From self help books to gurus to teachers, everyone feels that revenge is what causes most of our worldly troubles. Revenge is what causes wars. Revenge is what causes people to ruin their entire lives. Revenge is the worst of our emotions. But is it really the case? Is revenge such a bad thing? We always look at the wars and the destruction but revenge has also been the best main ingredient in bringing out the best in all of us.

Revenge has brought to us some of the best art, science and even the best investments. Revenge has been instrumental in the forging of the Chanakya Neeti, the foremost text on politics. Revenge is actually a very misunderstood emotion. Its easy to ignore it and focus on the love, just like it is easy to ignore the bad and focus on the good. But we all have to face the bad in us to understand importance of the good.

Rise and Stand up:

Over the years, I have read quite a wide variety of philosophical books. And invariably, every one teaches us restraint and patience. From saints to preachers, everyone has the same set of advise. Conquer anger, conquer fear and conquer your mind.But how much is enough? Where do you draw the line, that you are no longer trampled on? At some point of time, it becomes imperative to show them, that you do have the power to be irritated. And yes, they do have to be told, "Mess with the best, die like the rest."

A very old friend of mine, has her ex chasing even after their break up. And he makes it a point to put her down, in some way or the other. Their prolonged relationship has given him the edge. He knows all her weaknesses and pressure points. And she just blows her top and cribs but just cant turn her ex away.

What we forgot about Gandhi: Being Minimalistic

It's a strange day. It's a day when you are not supposed to work because it is the Birthday of the Father of the Nation-Mahatma Gandhi. Ironic I say. A compulsory holiday for a man who never ceased to work? But that is just the beginning of the strange.

I step out on the road expecting less traffic. But the roads are jammed worse than ever. Everyone is out shopping or visiting. I wonder, would Bapu really want us to stay at home, laze around or to go visit the mall on his birthday? I wonder. The shops are doing brisk business. One of the shopkeepers tells me, "Business is better today than ever. Thanks to Bapu." He winks. And I wonder. Is this how we want to celebrate the birthday of a man who survived on minimalistic needs? Is this really the free India he imagined? Is this the Freedom that he struggled for?